TABER ABRASER LIQUID PARTICLE COUNT COUPLING FOR THE DETERMINATION OFSLIDING WEAR OF METALLIZED PLASTICS

As a novel approach for analyzing the particles generated in sliding w ear, we have coupled a modified Taber abraser (TA) test with a liquid particle count analysis (LPC) of the generated particles. The particle generation function for plastics metallized by a magnetron sputter de position method was determined. The counterbody was an aluminium slide r. By combining these two methods, a differential analysis of the size of particles as a function of sliding distance call be obtained, thus making it possible to qualify metal coatings on plastics for use in p article sensitive environments. The experimental set-up is described, and sample data are presented. SEM/EDX was additionally used to determ ine the morphology and origin of the particles. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scie nce S.A.